La Scala Buttterfly Automatic Drip (E61)

by **silver2k2** on Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:30 am

I am having a problem with my La Scala Butterfly

It is dripping from the location below

The machine is plumbed off of the ice maker supply line, and has a filter inline

The machine drips regardless of if it is turned off or on

I have backflushed with detergent already to see if there was buildup

I had thought that it may be the 3 way valve, but looking at this diagram it seems like the portafilter would need to be installed, and pressure present in order for that leak to take place

any help is appreciated

by **napierzaza** on Wed Dec 14, 2011 10:41 am

The three way valve could be the issue. If it is plugged up with something it might be stuck in the open position.

by **silver2k2** on Wed Dec 14, 2011 12:11 pm

I thought it also might be too much inlet pressure, but I put gauge on the house and I reading 42psi, seem reasonable

by HB on Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:45 pm

Behind that metal plate is a solenoid. As Nathan noted, dirt and/or scale can prevent solenoid valves from closing completely. If you haven't descaled lately, drawing some descale solution (citric acid) through it might do the trick.

BTW, I'm not certain your machine has is a three-way valve. If it's like other E61 espresso machines without the expansion chamber (e.g., La Valentina), I think there's two solenoids: One above the group that lets water enter the brewhead and another one below the grouphead that allows water to exit (behind that metal plate). Either way, a descaling would be my first step; if that doesn't work, check the solenoid(s) for proper operation.

Upper brew solenoid not shown in this diagram (left)

by HB on Wed Dec 14, 2011 9:55 pm

Re-reading, I missed this rather important detail...

silver2k2 wrote:I thought it also might be too much inlet pressure, but I put gauge on the house and I reading 42psi, seem reasonable

Actually that's a bit high. I recommend regulating the pressure down to ~25 PSI. Since you say it's dripping when off, that's a clear sign the solenoid is failing to seal against inlet pressure.

by **silver2k2** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:42 am

Ok I will put on a regulator and see if the dripping stops. Is this something I can find local or do I have to order?

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:52 am

The metal shield which surrounds the lower portion of your grouphead may very well be held in place by the fittings where the arrow in your first pic points. In any event, remove those fitting(s), remove the metal shield and remove the single nut which likely holds the solenoid coil in place.

Slide the solenoid coil (3) off and you should see something similar to the below pic (but in an assembled state

)

Unscrew the cylinder (2) and inspect the spring on the "piston" (1) for breakage. The squarish brass part which remains attached to the grouphead has a seat for the piston (1) and a water feed hole of about 1.0 mm in diameter. Inspect this seat for any buildup of minerals (rare) and wipe clean with a green scrubby. Soak 1 & 2 in hot backflushing detergent for 15-20 minutes and rinse clean. As necessary, soak 1 & 2 in white vinegar for about 30 minutes. Rinse, reassemble and you should be home-free.

I do not believe your pressure is a problem - 100 psi would exert a force of about 2 ounces on the piston.

by HB on Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:05 am

silver2k2 wrote:Is this something I can find local or do I have to order?

The small ones like this Watts 560 won't be on the shelf at your local plumbing supply, but the larger ones will be. They both accomplish the same end.

erics wrote:I do not believe your pressure is a problem - 100 psi would exert a force of about 2 ounces on the piston.

I agree that cleaning the solenoid may stop the dripping, but I haven't seen manufacturer recommendations higher than ~60 PSI. For example, for the Elektra A3:

Years ago my house pressure regulator failed; the La Spaziale S1 that I was testing at the time started dripping when the pressure reached 100 PSI (the La Cimbali Junior didn't drip). The house mains pressure is now regulated to 55 PSI. That's probably a bit low by some some people's preference, but it saves water and is easier on the plumbing fixtures.

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 9:24 am

My 100 psi is most definitely NOT a recommendation; it was chosen as an easy multiplier (e.g. 10,100,1000). Likewise for the feed hole size for the 3-way valve - Rancilio Silvia is 1.00 mm whereas LM GS3 is 1.20 mm.

Mains pressure for a home - I agree with the 50-55 psi range and the rationale for same.

by **silver2k2** on Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:35 pm

Here is the label, I dont know if it mentions inlet pressure here.

I left that gauge on the house overnight, it looks like it peaked at around 58 psi and is holding at 55

I also cleaned the solenoid as instructed above. Waiting to see if the drip continues. Some drips during warmup is normal correct?


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